Construction walls around the entrance of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom have been removed, offering the first clear view since work began. The popular roller coaster is scheduled to reopen on May 3 after more than a year of refurbishment. Guests can expect a smoother ride with new scenes and updated vehicles.
Walls blocking the entrance to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad were taken down today, revealing the ride's new look with hedges in place. Running water was spotted in the queue, signaling final preparations. While some walls remain around other parts of the attraction, their removal is expected soon ahead of the reopening tomorrow, May 3, 2026. The ride has been closed for over a year for major updates, including an entirely new track for a smoother experience and a fresh scene inspired by the historic Rainbow Caverns Mine Train from Disneyland. Disney also revamped the vehicles, refreshed the exterior to align with the upcoming Piston Peak expansion in Frontierland, and lowered the height requirement to 38 inches to allow more young riders access. Long-broken elements were repaired during the overhaul. The attraction will join Lightning Lane Multi Pass, with bookings likely to fill up quickly due to high demand.
